This Monstrous Thing

About the Book

This wildly creative, critically acclaimed retelling of Frankenstein is perfect for fans of Cinder by Marissa Meyer and the Yellow Brick War series by Danielle Page. Now available in paperback.

In an alternative fantasy world where some men are made from clockwork parts and carriages are steam powered, Alasdair Finch, a young mechanic, does the unthinkable after his brother dies: he uses clockwork pieces to bring Oliver back from the dead.

But the resurrection does not go as planned, and Oliver returns more monster than man. Even worse, the novel Frankenstein is published and the townsfolk are determined to find the real-life doctor and his monster. With few places to turn for help, the dangers may ultimately bring the brothers together—or ruin them forever.

A remarkable debut from Mackenzi Lee, a writer to watch both in print and on Twitter.

Educator and Librarian Resources

Critical Praise

The old and new are woven together in language and theme creating a solid tale that explores what it means to be human. Part homage to a sci-fi original, part re-imagining, plenty of teen torment and trouble—an absorbing read. — Kirkus Reviews

The adeptly paced and well-written story reveals the troubled relationship between two brothers and how their choices can either destroy or make them stronger. Full of action, mystery, and suspense, this reimagined classic will not disappoint readers of gothic, steampunk, and historical fiction. A satisfying tribute to Shelley’s monster tale. — School Library Journal

A compelling and brave retelling of the first science fiction novel. A secret history, a love story, something both old and new. — Scott Westerfeld, author of Zeroes and Uglies

Mackenzi Lee’s This Monstrous Thing is simply beautiful. It pulses with electricity, mystery, and heart and brings to life one of my all time favorite tales with an unexpected twist. — Danielle Paige, New York Times bestselling author of Dorothy Must Die and The Wicked Will Rise

A richly imagined tale of two brothers and a dark science that twists everything I thought I knew about Frankenstein. A monstrously good read! — Megan Shepherd, author of The Madman’s Daughter series

In her debut, Lee has crafted an intriguing premise that will easily satisfy gothic horror and steampunk fans. — Booklist

Retellings of classics can be hit-or-miss undertakings, but in Lee’s masterful prose, this macabre novel is charged with unmistakable signs of life. — The Horn Book

Richly imagined and ingeniously plotted, this version incorporates quotations from Shelley’s text while updating the perennial questions of the original regarding how far is too far when it comes to meddling in the affairs of life and death. — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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